Rapidly deployable air supported structure systems and related methods

ABSTRACT

Transportable and rapidly deployable air supported structure systems and related methods are disclosed. The air supported structure systems include at least one transportable container. The systems also include a flexible outer membrane configured to couple to a base in a substantially air-tight manner. The systems further include at least one air handling mechanism contained within the at least one container configured to force air between the outer membrane and the base to form an enclosure therebetween via internal air pressure. The systems are configurable between a packaged state with the outer membrane contained within the at least one container, and a deployed state with the outer membrane being coupled to the base and the at least one air handling mechanism forming the enclosure via the internal air pressure. The at least one container may form a portion of the base and/or provide for ingress and egress with the enclosure.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This present application is a continuation-in-part of PCT PatentApplication No. PCT/US2018/029422, filed on Apr. 25, 2018, and entitledRapidly Deployable Air Supported Structure Systems and Related Methods,which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.62/489,675, filed on Apr. 25, 2017, the contents of which are herebyexpressly incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to air supported fabricstructures, and more particularly to transportable and rapidlydeployable air supported fabric structure systems.

BACKGROUND

A wide variety of portable shelters are currently used, such as tentsand similar structures, inflatable structures, geodesic domes, andvarious types of prefabricated structures. Tents have the advantage ofbeing quick to erect, while pre-fabricated structures have the advantageof being comparatively sturdier, more permanent, and more capable ofwithstanding weather. The ideal portable shelter would be free-standing,quick and easy to erect, and sturdy and capable of withstandinginclement weather.

One type of semi-permanent structures are air supported structures.These structures are generally comprised of a main or outer sheet-likeflexible membrane or skin which defines an enclosure when air within theair supported structure is at a higher pressure than the air pressureoutside of the air supported structure. The outer surface of the outerflexible membrane forms an exterior surface of the structures. The outerflexible membrane may be formed from a plurality of panels which arejoined to each other to form a dome envelope of any size and shape.

The outer membrane of air supported structures is typically made from astrong, durable, light-weight material that is at least substantiallyair-tight and resistant to weather (e.g., water-tight) and pollutants.Additionally, it is desirable that the material forming the outermembrane is flexible and configured such that adjacent panels can becoupled together to form a relatively strong composite structure. Theouter membrane is typically affixed to the ground and/or to a foundationthat extends from the ground in a substantially airtight manner to formthe enclosure therebetween.

The internal air pressure within air supported structures is typicallycreated by forcing air, such as the atmosphere about the structure, intothe enclosure formed between the outer membrane and the ground and/orfoundation. In this way, the internal air pressure within the enclosureis formed and maintained above the local atmospheric air pressure toposition the outer membrane in an extended positioned over the groundand/or foundation. Because of leakage of the air/atmosphere within theenclosure, such as between the outer membrane and the ground and/orfoundation, and/or through openings of the outer membrane that allow foringress and egress, the internal air pressure may be monitored andmaintained by regularly forcing sufficient air into the enclosure. Airmoving mechanisms (e.g., blowers, fans, heat exchangers, plenums, ducts,and vents) are typically utilized to create and maintain the internalpressure within the enclosure of air supported structures. The airmoving mechanisms are also typically utilized to heat and/or cool theenclosure of air supported structures, if needed or desired.

Although air supported structures are sturdy structures that are capableof withstanding inclement weather and/or environmental conditions, andcan be erected quicker than permanent structures, they are not typicallyutilized as portable shelters or structures as they can be more timeconsuming to construct as compared to many other temporary structures.For example, the air moving mechanisms that create and maintain theinternal air pressure of air supported structures, and potentially heatand/or cool the enclosure, can be complicated and time consuming toobtain, install and/or calibrate. Further, the air moving mechanisms ofair supported structures are typically designed for specific airsupported structures, and are normally tied into local utilities andinstalled in a permanent or semi-permanent fashion. Still further, airsupported structures are not utilized as portable shelters or structuresas they are usually designed and constructed for specific locations andspecific uses, and are thereby constructed via specialized “one-off”components and configurations (such as the design of the outer membraneand the air moving mechanisms).

Thus, a need exists for portable and rapidly deployable air supportedstructure systems that can be utilized as a portable shelter/structureor for any other purpose or need.

While certain aspects of conventional technologies have been discussedto facilitate disclosure, the Applicant in no way disclaims thesetechnical aspects, and it is contemplated that the claimed inventionsmay encompass one or more conventional technical aspects.

In this specification, where a document, act or item of knowledge isreferred to or discussed, this reference or discussion is not anadmission that the document, act or item of knowledge or any combinationthereof was, at the priority date, publicly available, known to thepublic, part of common general knowledge, or otherwise constitutes priorart under the applicable statutory provisions; or is known to berelevant to an attempt to solve any problem with which thisspecification is concerned.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure may address one or more of the problems anddeficiencies of the art discussed above. However, it is contemplatedthat the present disclosure may prove useful in addressing otherproblems and deficiencies in any number of technical areas. Therefore,the claimed inventions and present disclosure should not necessarily beconstrued as limited to addressing any of the particular problems ordeficiencies discussed herein.

Briefly, the present disclosure satisfies the need for portable andrapidly deployable (and packageable) air supported structures that canbe utilized to form at least one portable shelter/structure or for anyother use, purpose or need. The air supported structure systems of thepresent disclosure are configurable between two states: a closed orpackaged state and a deployed or open state. In the closed or packagedstate, the system may be contained (e.g., fully contained) within atleast one container or enclosure (such as within two or morecontainers). The at least one container of the system may be sized andconfigured to be relatively transportable or portable such that thesystem can be transported to any location in the closed state. Forexample, in some embodiments the at least one container may beconfigured as a cargo or shipping container, tractor-trailer container,rail container or any other configuration that facilitatestransportation by available or conventional shipping channels and/ormodes.

At least any necessary and specialized, specific and/or non-readilyavailable components or mechanisms of at least one air supportedstructure may be contained within the at least one container of thesystem in the closed or packaged state. In this way, when the at leastone container is positioned at a location at which an air supportedstructure is needed or desired, the components or mechanisms of an airsupported structure can be at least partially removed from the at leastone container and deployed to form an enclosure. For example, at least afirst container may include the outer membrane (and potentially one ormore inner liners) of the air supported structure in the packaged state.The outer membrane may be configured to relatively quickly and easilycouple to a base, such as the ground at the location, a foundationstructure and/or the at least one container.

In some embodiments, at least one container may be utilized as afoundation or frame such that the outer member is coupled to and extendsfrom the at least one container in the deployed state (i.e., when theenclosure is formed). In such embodiments, the at least one containerthat is coupled to the outer membrane may be the at least one containerthat contained the outer membrane in the packaged state and/or at leastone other container that did not contain the outer membrane in thepackaged state. In some embodiments, the combination of the at least onecontainer and the outer membrane may form the enclosure (or at leastpart of the enclosure). Further, the at least one container may beutilized, as or provide for, ingress into the enclosure and egress outof the enclosure (in the deployed state). For example, the at least onecontainer may include a passageway that is in selective communicationwith the enclosure to provide for ingress and egress. The passageway maybe in direct selective communication or indirect selective communicationwith the enclosure. For example, in some embodiments an intermediateportion may extend between the outer membrane and the at least onecontainer (e.g., an air lock) such that the at least one container isnot directly coupled to the outer member but still provides for ingressand egress. In this way, the at least one passageway of the at least onecontainer may be in direct communication or indirect communication withthe enclosure.

In addition to containing the outer membrane (and potentially one ormore inner liners), the at least one container may include an airhandling mechanism of the air supported structure in the closed orpackaged state of the system. The air handling mechanism and the outermembrane may be contained within a same container in the closed orpackaged state of the system or in differing containers. The airhandling mechanism may be configured as an air pressure creationmechanism that creates and/or maintains the internal air pressure withinthe enclosure of the air supported structure in the deployed or openstate of the system. For example, the air handling mechanism may includea blower, fan, turbine, pump or any other air movement or pressurecreation mechanism that is configured to force air into the enclosure inthe deployed or open state to form and/or maintain the internal airpressure therein, such as when the outer membrane is unpacked from theat least one container and affixed to the base (such as the ground,foundation and/or at least one container). In some embodiments, the airhandling mechanism may be configured to selectively introduce varyingamounts of additional air into the enclosure (e.g., from the atmosphereabout the air supported structure) that are necessary to maintain theinternal air pressure over time (such as within an acceptable internalair pressure range).

The air handling mechanism may also be configured as an air treatmentmechanism that selectively heats, cools and/or treats the air oratmosphere within the enclosure. For example, the air handling mechanismmay include an air heating mechanism configured to provide relativelywarm air into the enclosure, an air conditioning mechanism configured toprovide relatively cool (and potentially dry) air into the enclosure,and/or an air treatment mechanism configured to clean, condition, treator otherwise improve the quality or composition of the air within theenclosure to suit a particular desire and/or need. The air handlingmechanism may heat, cool and/or treat the air of the enclosure byheating, cooling and/or treating air that the air handling mechanismforces into the enclosure to create and/or maintain the internal airpressure of the air supported structure in the deployed or open state ofthe system. In some such embodiments, the air handling mechanism may beconfigured to recirculate air within the enclosure and supplement itwith any additional air necessary to maintain the internal air pressure,and at least a portion of such recirculating and/or supplemental air maybe selectively heated, cooled and/or treated by the air handlingmechanism.

In some embodiments, the at least one container may include at least oneelectrical power source configured to provide electrical power to atleast the air handling mechanism. The electrical power source mayinclude at least one solar panel, generator, wind turbine, battery,grid-based power input/connection and/or any other electrical powergeneration mechanism that is configured to generate, produce orotherwise output electrical power. In addition to providing power forthe air handling mechanism, the at least one electrical power source mayprovide electrical power for other systems of the air supportedstructure system and/or for any use or purpose.

When an air supported structure is needed at a desired location, thesystem may be transported in the closed or packed state to the location(i.e., the at least one container and its contents may be transported).Once the system is positioned at, or proximate to, the desired location,the system may be relatively rapidly deployed or erected into theunpacked or deployed state. For example, the at least one container maybe at least partially opened and the outer membrane (and potentially atleast one liner) stored therein in the closed state may be at leastsubstantially removed from the at least one container. The unpackedouter membrane may then be attached to a base, such as the ground, afoundation and/or the at least one container, in a substantiallyairtight manner. As noted above, at one or more container of the systemmay be utilized as a portion of the base. In such an embodiment, theouter membrane may be attached to the at least one container in asubstantially airtight manner (if not previously affixed thereto). Oncethe outer membrane is unpacked from the at least one container of thesystem and affixed to the base, such as affixed to the ground and/or afoundation and to at least one container, the air handling mechanismcontained (at least partially) within the at least one container may beutilized to force air between the outer membrane and the base to createan internal air pressure that is greater than the air pressure of theatmosphere exterior to or about the outer membrane. In this way, theouter membrane (and any inner liners or hardware attached thereto) maybe elevated or lifted (and maintained in such a position) above the basevia the internal air pressure to form the enclosure of the air supportedstructure. The at least one container may include a passageway extendingtherethrough that is in selective communication with the enclosure toprovide for ingress and egress.

Since the outer membrane and the air handling mechanism of the system(and potentially a power source configured to power at least the airhandling mechanism) is contained within the at least one container inthe packed or closed state, the air supported structure may be rapidlyactivated or deployed from the packed or closed state into the open ordeployed state. The system may thereby be a self-contained air supportedstructure system that does not require additional components ormechanisms to form and maintain the air supported structure (i.e., theenclosure formed thereby) from the packed or closed state. Further, asnoted above, the at least one container may contain other mechanisms orhardware in the packed state that may be utilized to form and/or enhancethe air supported structure in the deployed state beyond the outermembrane and the air pressure creation mechanism. For example, in thepackaged state of the system the at least one container may containmechanisms configured to couple the outer membrane to the base in asubstantially airtight manner in the deployed state, such as to theground, a foundation and/or the at least one container. As anotherexample, in the packaged state of the system the at least one containermay contain at least one power source configured to provide electricalpower to components of the air supported structure and/or other uses(e.g., within the enclosure and/or at least one container). In yetanother example, in the packaged state of the system the at least onecontainer may contain heating, ventilation and/or air conditioning(HVAC) mechanisms associated with the air handling mechanism that areconfigured to condition the air within the enclosure in the deployedstate. As a further example, in the packaged state of the system, the atleast one container may include at least one passageway and/or anairlock that is configured to be in selective communication with theenclosure in the deployed state to provide egress and ingress. In somesuch embodiments, the at least one passageway and/or airlock may beaccessed through the at least one container in the deployed state.

After the air supported structure is erected in the open or deployedstate of the system, the formed enclosure may be utilized for any use orpurpose. For example, the air supported structure may be utilized as aportable and rapidly deployable shelter, storage structure,entertainment structure, agricultural structure, medical facility,military facility, etc. In some embodiments, the air supported structuremay be utilized as a dwelling, shelter or other structure/enclosure whenadequate structures (e.g., sturdy and safe structures) are notavailable, too time consuming and/or expensive to construct, or whenonly a temporary structure is desired or needed. For example, the airsupported structure may be utilized in remote locations. As anotherexample, the air supported structure may be utilized during and/or afternatural disasters or other environmental situations which are dangerous,unhealthy and/or uncomfortable. As a further example, the air supportedstructure may be utilized when an environment is not suitable foragriculture (as the environment within the enclosure may be controlledand suitable for agriculture). As yet another example, the air supportedstructure may be utilized during military operations. However, as notedabove, the air supported structure formed by the air supported structuresystem in the deployed state may be utilized for any use or purpose.

In one aspect, the present disclosure provides an air supportedstructure system comprising at least one container and a flexible outermembrane configured to couple to a base in a substantially air-tightmanner. The system further comprises at least one air handling mechanismcontained within the at least one container configured to force airbetween the outer membrane and the base to form and/or maintain anenclosure therebetween via internal air pressure. The system isreconfigurable between a packaged state with the outer membrane at leastpartially contained within the at least one container, and a deployedstate with the outer membrane being coupled to the base in asubstantially air-tight manner and the at least one air handlingmechanism forming and/or maintaining the enclosure via the internal airpressure.

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a method of formingan air supported structure that forms an enclosure via internalpressured air. The method comprises transporting at least one containerof an air supported structure system in a packaged state to a location.In the packaged state, the at least one container contains at least oneair handling mechanism and a flexible outer membrane configured tocouple to a base. The method further comprises at least partiallyremoving the outer membrane from within the at least one container. Themethod also comprises coupling the outer membrane to the base in asubstantially air-tight manner. The method further comprises forcing airbetween the outer membrane and the base via the at least one airhandling mechanism to form and/or maintain the enclosure therebetweenvia internal air pressure.

These and other features and advantages of the present disclosure willbecome apparent from the following detailed description of the variousaspects of the present disclosure taken in conjunction with the appendedclaims and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the presentdisclosure will become better understood when the following detaileddescription is read with reference to the accompanying drawings, whichare not necessarily drawn to scale and in which like reference numeralsrepresent like aspects throughout the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is perspective view of an air supported structure system in apacked state according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the air supported structure system ofFIG. 1 in a deployed state forming an air supported structure accordingto the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the air supportedstructure system of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the air supported structure system ofFIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the air supported structure system ofFIG. 2 illustrating the interior of the enclosure;

FIG. 6 is a top view of the air supported structure system of FIG. 2illustrating the interior of the enclosure;

FIG. 7 is a left end view of the air supported structure system of FIG.2;

FIG. 8 is a right end view of the air supported structure system of FIG.2;

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional side view of an exemplary connection betweena container and the outer membrane of the air supported structure systemof FIG. 2;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional top view of the exemplary connectionbetween the container and outer membrane of FIG. 9; and

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional end view of an exemplary air supportedstructure system utilizing the connection between the container andouter membrane of FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional end view of another exemplary air supportedstructure system utilizing the connection between the container andouter membrane of FIG. 9;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional side view of an exemplary connectionbetween a container and the outer membrane of an air supported structuresystem according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional top view of the exemplary connectionbetween the container and outer membrane of FIG. 13; and

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional end view of an exemplary air supportedstructure system utilizing the connection between the container andouter membrane of FIG. 13;

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional end view of another exemplary air supportedstructure system utilizing the connection between the container andouter membrane of FIG. 13

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional side view of an exemplary connectionbetween a container and the outer membrane of an air supported structuresystem according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional top view of the exemplary connectionbetween the container and outer membrane of FIG. 17; and

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional end view of an exemplary air supportedstructure system utilizing the connection between the container andouter membrane of FIG. 17;

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional end view of another exemplary air supportedstructure system utilizing the connection between the container andouter membrane of FIG. 17;

FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional side view of an exemplary connectionbetween a container and the outer membrane of an air supported structuresystem according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional top view of the exemplary connectionbetween the container and outer membrane of FIG. 21; and

FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional end view of an exemplary air supportedstructure system utilizing the connection between the container andouter membrane of FIG. 21;

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional side view of an exemplary connectionbetween a container and the outer membrane of an air supported structuresystem according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional top view of the exemplary connectionbetween the container and outer membrane of FIG. 24;

FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional end view of an exemplary air supportedstructure system utilizing the connection between the container andouter membrane of FIG. 2;

FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional side view of an exemplary connectionbetween a container and the outer membrane of an air supported structuresystem according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional top view of the exemplary connectionbetween the container and outer membrane of FIG. 27; and

FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional end view of an exemplary air supportedstructure system utilizing the connection between the container andouter membrane of FIG. 27.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects of the present disclosure and certain examples, features,advantages, and details thereof, are explained more fully below withreference to the non-limiting examples illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. Descriptions of well-known materials, fabrication tools,processing techniques, etc., are omitted so as not to unnecessarilyobscure the relevant details. It should be understood, however, that thedetailed description and the specific examples, while indicating aspectsof the disclosure, are given by way of illustration only, and are not byway of limitation. Various substitutions, modifications, additions,and/or arrangements, within the spirit and/or scope of the underlyinginventive concepts will be apparent to those skilled in the art fromthis disclosure.

Approximating language, as used herein throughout disclosure, may beapplied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissiblyvary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it isrelated. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms, such as“about” or “substantially,” is not limited to the precise valuespecified. For example, these terms can refer to less than or equal to±5%, such as less than or equal to ±2%, such as less than or equal to±1%, such as less than or equal to ±0.5%, such as less than or equal to±0.2%, such as less than or equal to ±0.1%, such as less than or equalto ±0.05%. In some instances, the approximating language may correspondto the precision of an instrument for measuring the value.

Terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularexamples only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, thesingular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the pluralforms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.Furthermore, references to “one example” are not intended to beinterpreted as excluding the existence of additional examples that alsoincorporate the recited features. Moreover, unless explicitly stated tothe contrary, the terms “comprising” (and any form of “comprise,” suchas “comprises” and “comprising”), “have” (and any form of “have,” suchas “has” and “having”), “include” (and any form of “include,” such as“includes” and “including”), and “contain” (and any form of “contain,”such as “contains” and “containing”) are used as open-ended linkingverbs. As a result, any examples that “comprises,” “has,” “includes” or“contains” one or more step or element possesses such one or more stepor element, but is not limited to possessing only such one or more stepor element. As used herein, the terms “may” and “may be” indicate apossibility of an occurrence within a set of circumstances; a possessionof a specified property, characteristic or function; and/or qualifyanother verb by expressing one or more of an ability, capability, orpossibility associated with the qualified verb. Accordingly, usage of“may” and “may be” indicates that a modified term is apparentlyappropriate, capable, or suitable for an indicated capacity, function,or usage, while taking into account that in some circumstances themodified term may sometimes not be appropriate, capable or suitable. Forexample, in some circumstances, an event or capacity can be expected,while in other circumstances the event or capacity cannot occur—thisdistinction is captured by the terms “may” and “may be.”

As used herein and unless otherwise indicated, the term “entirety” (andany other form of “entire”) means at least a substantial portion, suchas at least 95% or at least 99%. The term “entirety” (and any other formof “entire”), as used herein, is thereby not limited to 100%, unlessotherwise indicated. As used herein, the term “layer” may be comprisedof, but is not limited to, a single continuous body of material unlessotherwise noted. For example, a “layer” may include multiple sub-layersthat may be the same or differing materials, and/or may includecoatings, adhesives, and the like.

The present disclosure provides transportable and rapidly deployable airsupported structure systems and related methods. The systems store atleast the major or primary components of an air supported structurewithin at least one container (i.e., within a single container or in aplurality of containers) in a packaged state of the system, which can betransported to any location at which an air supported structure isneeded or desired. The air supported structure is relatively quickly andeasily deployable into a deployed state from the at least one containerutilizing the components stored within the at least one container toform at least one air supported structure as a sturdy, free standingenclosure. Once formed, the enclosure may be utilized for any use orpurpose, and may be maintained for any amount of time. If desired, theair supported structure may be disassembled and repackaged into the atleast one container (i.e., transitioned from the deployed state to thepackaged state of the system). In this way, the air supported structuremay be repackaged and stored within the at least one container, and thenre-deployed at a later date in the same location or transported to adifferent location for redeployment.

Air supported structure systems 10 and related methods of the presentdisclosure are described with reference to exemplary systems illustratedin FIGS. 1-11. The systems 10 shown in FIGS. 1-11 are merelyillustrative, however, and other embodiments or configurations mayequally be employed in accordance with the spirit and scope of thepresent disclosure.

As shown in FIG. 1, in some embodiments the transportable and rapidlydeployable air supported structure system 10 and related methods mayinclude a closed or packaged state in which at least any necessary andspecialized, specific or non-readily available components or mechanismsof at least one air supported structure are contained within at leastone container 12. As shown in FIG. 1, in some embodiments the system 10may include a plurality of containers 12, such as at least a pair ofcontainers. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1, at least some ofthe primary components or mechanisms necessary to erect or deploy theair supported structure and form the enclosure in an open or deployedstate of the system 10 are contained within the at least one container12 in the packaged state, such as at least an outer membrane 14 leastone container 12 is positioned at a location at which an air supportedstructure is needed or desired, the components or mechanisms of an airsupported structure can be removed from the at least one container 12and deployed to form the enclosure. For example, at least a firstcontainer 12 may include the outer membrane 14 (and potentially one ormore inner liners) of the air supported structure in the packaged state.The outer membrane 14 may be configured to relatively quickly and easilycouple to a base (e.g., the ground, a foundation and/or the at least onecontainer 12), and the internal air pressure may be created therebetweenvia the at least one air handling mechanism 16.

In some embodiments, at least a portion of the outer membrane 14 of theair supported structure may be contained or positioned at leastpartially within the at least one container 12 in the packaged state ofthe system 10. For example, in one embodiment the entirety of the outermembrane 14 may be contained within a container 12 in the packagedstate. In the deployed state, the outer membrane 14 may be at leastsubstantially removed from within the container 12. Similar to the outermembrane 14, at least a portion of the at least one air handlingmechanism 16 may be contained or positioned at least partially within acontainer 12 in the packaged state. For example, in one embodiment theentirety of the at least one air handling mechanism 16 may be containedwithin a container 12 in the packaged state. The outer membrane 14 andthe at least one air handling mechanism 16 may be contained within thesame container 12 or different containers 12 in the packaged state. Inthe deployed state, the at least one air handling mechanism 16 may ormay not be at least substantially removed from within its container 12.

As explained further below and shown in FIGS. 2-8, the outer membrane 14may be configured to couple to a base in a substantially air-tightmanner in the deployed state of the system 10, and the at least one airhandling mechanism 16 may be configured to force air between the outermembrane 14 and the base to erect the air supported structure into thedeployed state via internal air pressure. In this way, in the deployedstate the at least one air handling mechanism 16 may force air betweenthe outer membrane 14 and the base to form and maintain an enclosuretherebetween via the internal air pressure, as shown in FIGS. 2-8. Theouter membrane 14 and the at least one air handling mechanism 16 may becontained within the same container or differing containers 12 in thepackaged state. As mentioned above and shown in FIGS. 2-8, at least onecontainer 12 may form a portion of the base.

The at least one container 12 may be any transportable enclosure of anyconfiguration that forms an accessible cavity. In some embodiments, theat least one container 12 may be configured such that it can be openedto allow contents to be loaded or installed therein, and closed orsealed such that the contents therein are substantially surrounded bythe container 12 in the packaged state. Similarly, the at least onecontainer 12 may configured such that it can be opened to provide accesstherein in the deployed state, such as when it is in communication(e.g., in selective communication via a door mechanism, airlock, or thelike) with the enclosure. In such an embodiment, the at least onecontainer 12 may thereby be utilized to provide ingress into and egressfrom the enclosure in the deployed state.

In some embodiments, the at least one container 12 may be sized andotherwise configured to be relatively transportable or portable suchthat the system 10 can be transported to any location in the packagedstate. For example, in some embodiments the at least one container 12may be configured such that it can be transported by traditional orconventional shipping or transportation channels and modes, such asbeing a standard or suitable cargo or shipping container,tractor-trailer container, rail container, etc. In some embodiments, theat least one container 12 may include an inner structural framework thatforms at least the outer walls and/or roof or top of the at least onecontainer 12. In some such embodiments, the structural framework may becovered or clad in a substantially stiff and/or strong corrugated orirregular covering or a planar covering (e.g., metal sheets). In someother such embodiments, the structural framework may be covered or cladin a light and flexible covering, such as a fabric material (e.g., amaterial substantially similar or the same as the outer membrane 14).

As shown in FIG. 1, in some embodiments of the system 10 that include aplurality of containers 12, the system 10 may include at least twocontainers 12 that are identical or at least substantially similar.However, in other embodiments of the system 10 that include a pluralityof containers 12, at least two containers 12 may differ from each other.In some embodiments, the at least one container 12 may be elongate, suchas having the general shape of a cuboid or rectangular parallelepiped asshown in FIG. 1. At least some of the exterior and/or interior sides orwalls of the at least one container 12 may be planar or may beirregularly shaped, such as being corrugated as shown in FIG. 1.

In some embodiments, the at least one container 12 may includeadditional components or mechanisms at least in the packaged statebeyond those that are necessary to erect the air supported structure,such as components or mechanisms in addition to the outer membrane 14and the at least one air handling mechanism 16 that is configured toform the internal air pressure. For example, the at least one container12 may include one or more inner liner in the packaged state that iscoupled to, or is configured to couple to, the outer membrane 14. The atleast one inner liner may extend along the interior of the outermembrane 14 in the deployed state such that at least one air pocket isformed between the at least one inner liner and the outer membrane 14(and between adjacent inner liners if a plurality of liners areincluded).

As shown in FIGS. 2-8, in some embodiments, the system 10 may include anelectrical power source 18 configured to provide electrical power to atleast the air handling mechanism 16 (i.e., the air pressure creationmechanism). The electrical power source 18 may be contained within theat least one container 12 at least in the packaged state of the system10. As shown in FIGS. 2-8, in some embodiments, at least a portion ofthe electrical power source 18 may be positioned exterior to the cavityof the at least one container 12 at least in the deployed state, such asbeing coupled to and/or extending from an exterior surface of the atleast one container 12. The electrical power source 18 may be anyelectrical power source. For example, the electrical power source 18 mayinclude at least one solar panel, generator (e.g., powered or driven bygasoline, propane or any other combustible material), wind turbine,water turbine, grid-based power input/connection, electrical powerstorage device (e.g., a battery) or any other electrical power providingmechanism/apparatus that is configured to generate/produce and/orprovide electrical power to the air supported structure/componentsthereof. For example, in addition to providing power for the airhandling mechanism 16, the at least one electrical power source 18 mayprovide electrical power for other systems of the air supportedstructure and/or for any use or purpose within or about the structureand enclosure.

As noted above, the air handling mechanism 16 may be configured as anair pressure creation mechanism that creates and/or maintains theinternal air pressure within the enclosure of the air supportedstructure in the deployed or open state of the system 10. For example,the air handling mechanism 10 may include a blower, fan, turbine, pumpor any other air movement or pressure creation mechanism that isconfigured to force air between the outer membrane 14 and the base inthe deployed or open state of the system 10 to form and/or maintain theinternal air pressure within the enclosure. For example, the airhandling mechanism 10 may force air between the outer membrane 14 andthe base when the outer membrane 14 is unpacked from the at least onecontainer 12 and affixed to the base (such as the ground, a foundationand/or at least one container 12) to form the enclosure. In someembodiments, the air handling mechanism 16 may be configured toselectively introduce varying amounts of “new” air into the enclosure(i.e., non-recirculated air, such as air from the atmosphere about theair supported structure) that is necessary to maintain an internal airpressure (such as within an acceptable internal air pressure range)within the enclosure to account for air/pressure loss.

The air handling mechanism 16 may also be configured as an air treatmentmechanism that selectively heats, cools and/or treats the air oratmosphere within the enclosure. For example, the air handling mechanism16 may include an air heating mechanism configured to provide relativelywarm air into the enclosure, an air conditioning mechanism configured toprovide relatively cool (and potentially dry) air into the enclosure,and/or and air treatment mechanism configured to clean, condition, treator otherwise improve the quality of the air within the enclosure to suita particular need and/or desire. For example, an air treatment mechanismmay clean air that is passed into the enclosure by the air handlingmechanism 16 to remove one or more pollutants or substances from theair. As another example, an air treatment mechanism may add one or moresubstances to air that is passed into the enclosure (e.g., carbondioxide, nitrogen, oxygen, etc.) by the air handling mechanism, such asto facilitate or enhance a particular use of the enclosure (e.g.,agricultural, medicinal/therapeutic, etc.).

The air handling mechanism 16 may heat, cool and/or treat the air of theenclosure by heating, cooling and/or treating the air that the airhandling mechanism 16 forces into the enclosure to create and/ormaintain the internal air pressure within the enclosure of the airsupported structure 10 in the deployed or open state of the system 10.In some such embodiments, the air handling mechanism 16 may beconfigured to recirculate air within the enclosure and supplement itwith any additional air necessary to maintain the internal air pressure,and such recirculating and/or supplemental air may be selectivelyheated, cooled and/or treated by the air handling mechanism 16. The airheating mechanism, air conditioning mechanism and/or air treatmentmechanism of the air handling mechanism 16 may be contained with thesame container 12 as each other (at least in the packaged state), suchas the same container 12 as other components of the air handlingmechanism 16.

As shown in FIG. 8, the air handling mechanism 16 may thereby form orinclude a supply flow 80 of air extending into the enclosure (fromexterior thereto), which may form and/or maintain the internal airpressure and/or condition (e.g., heat, cool, humidify, de-humidify,etc.) the atmosphere within the enclosure. Further, as also shown inFIG. 8, the air handling mechanism 16 may thereby also form or include areturn flow 82 of air extending from the enclosure (from within theenclosure), which may be utilized to form and/or maintain the internalair pressure (potentially with additional air) and/or condition (e.g.,heat, cool, humidify, de-humidify, etc.) the atmosphere within theenclosure. As noted above, at least a portion of the return flow 82 ofair may be re-utilized as at least a portion of the supply flow 80.

When an air supported structure is needed at a desired location, thesystem 10 may be transported to the location in the packed state (i.e.,the at least one container 12 and its contents may be transported to thelocation), as shown in FIG. 1. Once the system 10 is positioned at, orproximate to, a desired location, the system 10 may be relativelyrapidly deployed or erected into the unpacked or deployed state, asshown in FIGS. 2-8. For example, the at least one container 12 may be atleast partially opened and the outer membrane 14 (and potentially atleast one liner coupled thereto) stored therein in the packaged statemay be at least substantially removed from the at least one container12. A portion of the outer membrane 14 and/or the air handling mechanism16 may or may not remain within the at least one container 12 in thedeployed state.

The outer membrane 14 may be formed from any sheet-like flexible andstrong material. In some embodiments, the outer membrane 14 may beformed of a fabric, a rubberized fabric, a fabric coated with plastic,or any suitable combination thereof. In some embodiments, the outermembrane 14 may include one or more coatings. The outer membrane 14 maybe transparent, translucent or opaque. In some embodiments, the outermembrane 14 may be formed from a plurality of panels, with adjacentpanels being coupled to each other via at least one substantiallyairtight seam, seal or joint. The outer membrane 14 may be any size andshape which may depend, at least in part, upon the desired size andshape of the resulting air supported structure. For example, the outermembrane 14 may be elongate with a longer width or lateral directionthan length or longitudinal direction, as shown in FIGS. 2-8. However,the outer membrane 14 may be any shape or configuration, such as square,round, oval or any other shape.

The unpacked outer membrane 14 may be attached to a base, such as theground, a foundation structure and/or the at least one container 12 in asubstantially airtight manner. As noted above, one or more containers 12of the system 10 may be utilized as a portion of the base. In such anembodiment, the outer membrane 14 may be attached to the at least onecontainer 12 in a substantially airtight manner (if not previouslyaffixed thereto). The outer membrane 14 may be attached indirectlyand/or directly to the exterior and/or interior of the at least onecontainer 12 in a substantially airtight manner. The outer membrane 14may be attached to the base in a substantially airtight manner such thatthe air handling mechanism 16 can force air therebetween to create aninternal air pressure that is greater than the air pressure of theatmosphere exterior to or about the outer membrane 14. In this way, theouter membrane 14 (and any inner liners or hardware attached thereto)may be elevated or lifted (and maintained is such a position) above thebase via the internal air pressure to form the enclosure/air supportedstructure.

The outer membrane 14 may couple to the ground and/or a foundationstructure in a substantially airtight manner in addition to, or insteadof, coupling to at least one container 12. For example, as shown inFIGS. 2-8, at least a first portion of the outer membrane 14 may coupleto at least one container 12 substantially airtight manner, and a secondportion of the outer membrane 14 may couple to the ground and/or afoundation structure in a substantially airtight manner. In otherembodiments, the outer membrane 14 may couple to the ground and/or afoundation structure in a substantially airtight manner and indirectlycouple to the at least one container 12 or not couple to the at leastone container 12. For example, the outer membrane 14 may couple to theground and/or a foundation structure in a substantially airtight manner,and directly couple to an intermediate structure that is coupled to atleast one container 12 (e.g., in a substantially airtight manner). Theouter membrane 14 may couple (directly or indirectly) to a container 12that contained the outer membrane 14 in the packaged state and/or acontainer 12 that did not contain the outer membrane 14 in the packagedstate. In some embodiments, a combination of at least one container 12and the outer membrane 14 may form the enclosure (or at least part ofthe enclosure), as shown in FIGS. 5-8. As shown in FIGS. 2-8, in someembodiments a plurality of containers 12 may form a portion of the base(and/or the enclosure), such as a pair of containers 12 at opposing endsof the enclosure. As noted above, the outer membrane 14 may be attachedor coupled to at least one container 12 in any substantially airtightmanner. For example, the outer membrane 14 may be directly and/orindirectly attached or coupled to an exterior surface of the at leastone container 12 in a substantially airtight manner. The at least onecontainer 12 may also be securely coupled to the ground and/or afoundation. In some embodiments, the at least one container 12 may becoupled to the ground via a plurality of earth anchors that penetrateinto the ground and resist being pulled out therefrom.

In another example, the outer membrane 14 may be directly and/orindirectly attached or coupled to an interior surface of the at leastone container 12 in a substantially airtight manner. In yet anotherexample, the outer membrane 14 may be attached or coupled in asubstantially airtight manner to a member, mechanism or portion thatextends or protrudes from an interior and/or exterior surface of the atleast one container 12 (which may itself be attached or coupled to thesurface(s) in a substantially airtight manner).

The outer membrane 14 may couple to the base in any substantiallyairtight manner. For example, the outer membrane 14, the base and/orcoupling mechanism that couples the outer membrane 14 to the base may beof any configuration or arrangement that couples the outer membrane 14and the base together via a substantially airtight seal or joint. Insome embodiments, the outer membrane 14 may mechanically couple to thebase via one or more attachment or anchoring mechanisms, and sealinglycouple to the base in a substantially airtight manner via a separateconnection or connection mechanism. For example, in some suchembodiments the system 10 may include a skirt portion (not shown) thatextends from the inner surface of the outer membrane 14 and forms asubstantially airtight seal with the base. In some embodiments, theouter membrane 14 may be sealingly coupled to the via the internal airpressure (e.g., by acting to seal a skirt to the base) and/or anchormechanisms that physically couple the outer membrane 14 to the base(e.g., earth anchors, liquid (e.g., water) filled tubes or bags, sand oraggregate filled tubes or bags, etc.) and resists the upward forcesapplied by the internal air pressure. In this way, the anchoringmechanisms may provide a mechanical attachment between the outermembrane 14 and the base to carry the loads of the outer membrane 14(which may not be substantially airtight), and the skirt portion may becoupled to the base to provide a substantially airtight seal between theouter membrane 14 and the base. However, as noted above, any otherarrangement or configuration may be utilized to couple the outermembrane 14 and the base (e.g., the ground, a foundation structureextending from the ground and/or at least one container 12) in asubstantially airtight manner such that the internal air pressure can becreated therebetween via the air handling mechanism 16 to form theenclosure/structure.

At least one container 12 may be utilized as, or provide for, ingressinto the enclosure and egress out of the enclosure in the deployedstate. For example, as shown in FIGS. 2-8, at least one container 12 mayinclude at least one passageway 19 that is in selective communicationwith the enclosure to provide for ingress and egress. In someembodiments, the passageway 19 may be configured such that the airpressure within the enclosure is at least substantially maintained(e.g., because air pressure loss is substantially prevented by thepassageway 19 or limited by the passageway 19 such that the air handlingmechanism 16 is able to appropriately compensate for such loss). Forexample, in some such embodiments the at least one passageway 19 may beconfigured as an airlock. The at least one passageway 19 of the at leastone container 12 may be any size or shape to allow users and/or objectsto enter and exit the enclosure. In some embodiments, in addition to, orinstead of, the passageway 19 provided by the at least one container 12,the air supported structure may include at least one passageway 19 incommunication with the enclosure that is not in communication with theat least one container 12.

The passageway 19 provided by the at least one container 12 may be indirect selective communication or indirect selective communication withthe enclosure. For example, in some embodiments an intermediate portionor structure may extend between the outer membrane 14 and the at leastone container 12 (e.g., an air lock) such that the passageway 19 of theat least one container 12 is in direct communication with theintermediate portion (i.e., is not directly coupled or in directcommunication with the enclosure), but provides for ingress and egressto the enclosure via the intermediate portion. As another example, theouter membrane 14 may extend from the at least one container 12 suchthat the at least one passageway 19 of the at least one container 12 isin direct selective communication with the enclosure.

Since the outer membrane 14 and the air handling mechanism 16 of thesystem 10 (and potentially a power source 18) are contained within theat least one container 12 in the packed or closed state, the airsupported structure system 10 may be rapidly activated or deployed fromthe packed or closed state into the open or deployed state. The system10 may thereby be a transportable, self-contained air supportedstructure system 10 that forms and maintains an air supported structure(that forms an enclosure). Further, as the at least one container 12 mayform at least one or more passageway 19 into the enclosure, theenclosure can be utilized as soon as the air supported structure isformed via the internal air pressure. In use, the outer membrane 14 maybe unpacked from the at least one container 12 in the packaged state,and coupled (if not already coupled) to the base in a substantiallyairtight manner (such as the ground, a foundation and/or the at leastone container 12), and the air handling mechanism 16 may force airtherebetween to create and maintain the internal air pressure toestablish and maintain the enclosure. As discussed above, the potentialuses or purposes of the enclosure/air supported structure are limitless.The at least one container 12, the outer membrane 14 and/or theinterior/enclosure of the system 10 may be configured and/or arranged tosuit any use or need—such as any portable and rapidly deployableshelter, storage structure, entertainment structure, agriculturalstructure, medical facility, military facility, etc.

FIGS. 9-12 illustrate exemplary configurations and methods of couplingthe outer membrane 14 to the at least one container 12 of the system 10in a substantially airtight manner. As shown in FIGS. 9-12, the outermembrane 14 to may be coupled to the and outer side or wall 24 of the atleast one container 12 in a substantially airtight manner via a supportframe 26. The frame 26 may be configured to couple to at least one outerside surface portion 24 of the at least one container 12 in asubstantially airtight manner. In some embodiments, the outer sidesurface 24 of the at least one container may be irregular or non-planar,as shown in FIGS. 9-12. In some other embodiments, the outer sidesurface 24 of the at least one container may be substantially flat orplanar. The support frame 26 may be structural in that it may supportthe loads of the outer membrane 14 or otherwise transfer them to thecontainer 12 (and, ultimately, to a support base). In some embodiments,the system 10 may include support or frame members positioned interiorof the at least one container 12 (not shown) to couple the support frame26 to the at least one container 12 and/or provide structural support tothe support frame 26. The support frame 26 may be coupled directly orindirectly to at least one outer surface or side 24 of the at least onecontainer 12 via any mechanism, configuration or method that issufficiently strong to prevent the support frame 26 from becomingdetached therefrom at least due to the internal pressure within theenclosure.

In some embodiments, the support frame 26 may include at least onespacer portion 20 that mirrors the shape of a corresponding portion ofthe outer surface 24 of the at least one container 12, as shown in FIGS.9 and 10. The at least one spacer portion 20 may act form asubstantially linear or planar attachment surface, or otherwise extendbetween the support frame 26 (e.g., a backside thereof) and the outerside surface portion 24 of the at least one container 12 to form asubstantially airtight seal therebetween. The at least one spacerportion 20 may comprise a structural portion (e.g., a metal portion)and/or a non-structural portion (a portion formed of foam, rubber,plastic, etc.). The at least one spacer portion 20 may be comprised ofany component(s) that effectively bridge the outer side surface 24 ofthe at least one container 12 (whether planar or irregular) and theframe 26 to form a substantially air-tight junction therebetween. Inthis way, the at least one spacer portion 20 may fill-in any space orgap between the support frame 26 and the outer side wall or surface 24of the at least one container 12.

As also shown in FIGS. 9-12, the support frame 26 may include a mountingsurface or edge 22 that is formed by, or is coupled to, the supportframe 26. The mounting surface 22 of the support frame 26 may beconfigured to couple with a portion of the outer membrane 14 in asubstantially airtight manner. The mounting surface 22 of the supportframe 26 may be any outer face or edge, such as a face or edge orientedparallel or angled (e.g., perpendicular) to the outer wall surface 24 ofthe at least one container 12. In some embodiments, the mounting surfaceor edge 22 and/or the clamping member 28 may include one or moreregular, flat and/or straight portions, as shown in FIGS. 9-11. In someembodiments, the mounting surface or edge 22 and/or the clamping member28 may include at least one arcuate or non-linear portion. In someembodiments, the mounting surface 22 may be a substantially planar outersurface of the support frame 26.

As shown in FIGS. 9-12, an end portion of the outer membrane 14 may beclamped to the mounting surface or edge 22 in a substantially airtightmanner via mounting studs 25 extending from the mounting surface 22 ofthe support frame 26 and a clamping member 28 that clamps to themounting surface 22 of the support frame 26 via the mounting studs 25.As shown in FIG. 9, the mounting surface 22 be a top outer surface ofthe support frame 26, and the mounting studs 25 may extend substantiallyvertically therefrom. The mounting studs 25 may extend through the endportion of the outer membrane 14 (e.g., via pre-defined apertures oraperture created by the mounting studs 25) and through a clamping member28, and be utilized to exert a compressive or clamping force to theouter membrane 14 between the clamping member 28 and the mountingsurface 22 of the support frame 26, as shown in FIG. 9. For example, themounting studs 25 may be externally threaded, and internally threadednuts, washers and the like may be utilized to couple to the mountingstuds 25 and force the clamping member 28 toward the mounting surface 22of the support frame 26 to trap (and apply a compressive force) to theouter membrane 14 therebetween, as shown in FIG. 9. It is noted that anycompressive mechanism may be utilized with the mounting studs 25 tocompress the clamping member 28 toward or against the mounting surface22 of the support frame 26 to compress and trap the outer membrane 14therebetween.

The clamping member 28 may be substantially, stiff or otherwiseconfigured to prevent the formation of a gap or space between the outermembrane 14 and the mounting surface 22 of the support frame 26, andthereby allow the internal pressure within the enclosure to escape. Forexample, the clamping member 28 may be configured to prevent bending orother deformation away from the mounting surface 22 of the support frame26 (e.g., between the mounting studs 25), such as via the forces actingof the outer membrane 12 acting to “pull” the outer membrane 12 off oraway from the mounting surface 22. In some embodiments, the clampingmember 28 may be formed of metal (e.g., plate steel) or any otherstructural material.

As shown in FIGS. 9, 11 and 12, at least a portion of the clampingmember 28 may be an angled or non-flat/non-planar member. For example,the clamping member 28 may include a first flat or planar portion thatextends along, and is clamped to, the mounting surface 22 of the supportframe 26, as shown in FIG. 9. The first portion of the angled clampingmember 28 may thereby clamp the end portion of the outer membrane 14 tothe mounting surface 22 of the support frame 26 (i.e., the end portionof the outer membrane 14 may be compressed between the first portion ofthe angled clamping member 28 and the mounting surface 22 of the supportframe 26). A second flat or planar portion of the clamping member 28 mayextend from the first portion at an angle (i.e., at an angle greaterthan 0 degrees or less than 180 degrees), as shown in FIG. 9. The secondportion of the clamping member 28 may be configured to extend upwardlyfrom the mounting surface 22 of the support frame 26 and potentiallyalong the outer surface of the outer membrane 14. In some embodiments, aportion of the mounting surface 22 of the support frame 26 may includesuch an angled clamping member 28 to clamp a corresponding portion ofthe outer membrane 14 thereto, while at least one other portion of themounting surface 22 of the support frame 26 may include differentlyconfigured clamping member 28 (e.g., a flat, planar or plate clampingmember 28) to clamp a corresponding portion of the outer membrane 14thereto. For example, a top portion of the support frame 26 may includean angled clamp member 28, and leg portions of the support frame 26 mayinclude a flat or planar clamp member 28, as explained further below.

As shown in FIG. 9, the outer membrane 14 may include an expanded edge,end or periphery portion 15 that aids in preventing the outer membrane14 from slipping or otherwise translating from between the mountingsurface 22 of the support frame 26 and the clamping member. As shown inFIG. 9, the expanded edge 15 of the outer membrane 14 may be positionedpast the clamping member 28 on an opposing side thereof as theenclosure. The expanded edge 15 of the outer membrane 14 may provide orform a thicker portion of the outer membrane 14 as compared to theportion of the outer membrane 14 clamped between the clamping member 28and the mounting surface 22. The expanded edge 15 of the outer membrane14 may thereby require the formation of a fairly significant gap betweenthe clamping member 28 and the mounting surface 22 for the outermembrane 14 to “pull out” or otherwise slip between the clamping member28 and the mounting surface 22. In one exemplary embodiment, theexpanded edge portion 15 of the outer membrane 14 may be a rope edgeportion formed by the end portion of the outer membrane 14 extendingabout/over a rope, cord or other elongate member and being fixed toitself.

As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the support frame 26 may extend along aportion of the outer wall or side surface 24 of at least one container12 so that the outer wall or side surface 24 of the at least onecontainer 12 forms a portion of the enclosure of the air supportedstructure. As also shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 and discussed above, theouter wall or side surface 24 of the at least one container 12 mayinclude at least one passageway 19 for ingress and egress with theenclosure of the air supported structure (formed by internal airpressure, the outer membrane 14 and at least one portion of the at leastone container 12). The support frame 26 may extend over the outer sidewall 24 of the container 12 about or around the at least one passageway19 so as do not interfere with use of the at least one passageway 19 (ifprovided). For example, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 11, the support frame 26may include a header portion that extends over the at least onepassageway 19 and/or adjacent or proximate to (and potentially parallelwith) the top surface or edge (e.g., roof) of the container 12. In someembodiments, the mounting surface 22 of the support frame 26 may extendsubstantially even or aligned (and potentially parallel) with the topsurface or edge (e.g., roof) of the container 12, as shown in FIGS. 9and 11.

As shown in FIG. 11, in some embodiments the support frame 26 mayinclude a pair leg or upright portions positioned on opposing sides ofthe at least one passageway 19 that extend to the top portion of thesupport frame 26. The leg or upright portions may extend substantiallyvertically, or be angled as they extend from the ground or base to thetop portion of the support frame 26 as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. In someembodiments, the leg portions of the support frame 26 may extend fromthe ground or other base surface or structure. In some embodiments, theleg portions of the support frame 26 may extend from the bottom orunderside of the at least one container. As shown in FIG. 10, in someembodiments the entirety of the leg portions of the support frame 26 mayextend along or over the exterior side surface 24.

However, as shown in FIG. 11, in some embodiments at least a portion ofat least one of the leg portions of the support frame 26 may extend pastthe exterior side surface 24. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, in someembodiments the entirety (or a least the substantially majority) of theleg portions of the support frame 26 may extend past the exterior sidesurface 24 (but to the top portion of the support frame 26). In suchembodiments, the support frame 26 may include wing wall portions 13 thatextend between the leg portions of the support frame 26, an outersurface of the at least one container 12 and the base surface (i.e., theground or a base structure or foundation built on the ground). In someembodiments, the wing wall portions 13 may extend between the legportions of the support frame 26 and the outer side wall 24 that the topportion of the support frame is coupled to. In this way, the supportframe 26 may extend linearly or straight and form a planar engagementsurface with the outer side wall 24 of the container 12, as shown inFIGS. 9-12. In other embodiments, the wing wall portions 13 may extendbetween the leg portions of the support frame 26 and a side wall of theat least one container 12 that differs from the side wall 24 that thetop portion of the support frame 26 is coupled to.

The wing wall portions 13 may form a substantially airtight wall portionbetween the leg portions of the support frame 26, an outer surface(e.g., the outer side wall 24) of the at least one container 12 and thebase surface. The wing wall portions 13 may also thereby form a portionof the enclosure, as shown in FIG. 11. The wing wall portions 13 may beformed of any material(s) and any configuration that is effective inextending between the leg portions of the support frame 26, an outersurface of the at least one container 12 and the base surface is asubstantially airtight manner. In some embodiments, the wing wallportions 13 may include or be formed of the same or substantiallysimilar material as that of the outer membrane 14.

However, the system 10 may include any number and/or configuration ofsupport frames 26 for coupling to any number and/or configuration ofexterior surface portions 24 of the at least one container 12 in asubstantially airtight manner. The size and/or shape of the supportframe 26 may vary and may be related at least upon the configuration ofthe exterior surface 24 of the at least one container 12. Further, thesize and/or shape of the at least one spacer portion 20 of the supportframe 26 may vary and may be related at least upon the configuration ofthe exterior surface 24 of the at least one container 12 and theconfiguration, shape and/or size of the outer membrane 14, for example.In some embodiments, the at least one spacer portion 20 may not beneeded or included. Further, the size and/or shape of the mountingsurface or edge 22 of the support frame 26 may vary, and may be relatedat least upon the configuration, shape and/or size of the portion theouter membrane 14 configured to couple thereto, for example. In thisway, the system 10 may include at least one support frame 26 that isconfigured to couple to the exterior surface 24 of at least onecontainer 12 in a substantially airtight manner, and provide at leastone mounting surface or edge 22 configured to couple to a correspondingportion of the outer membrane 14 in a substantially airtight manner,such as via a clamping member 28. The at least one support frame 26 maybe configured to extend between the exterior surface 24 of at least onecontainer 12 and the outer membrane 14 to form a substantially airtightconnection.

FIGS. 13-16 illustrate other exemplary configurations, structures,arrangements and methods of coupling an outer membrane to at least onecontainer of a portable and rapidly deployable air supported structuresystem 110 according to the present disclosure. The exemplary system 110of FIGS. 13-16 is substantially similar to the exemplary system 10 ofFIGS. 1-12, and therefore like reference numerals preceded by thenumeral “1” are used to indicate like elements, aspects, functions,configurations and the like. Exemplary system 110 may include any of theelements, aspects, functions, configurations and the like of exemplarysystem 10. The description above with respect to the exemplary system 10thereby equally applies to the exemplary system 110 of FIGS. 13-16,including description regarding alternative embodiments thereto (i.e.,modifications, variations or the like). The exemplary portable system110 of FIG. 13-16 differs from the exemplary system 10 of with respectto the attachment of the outer membrane 224 to the at least onecontainer 212, such as the configuration and/or construction of themounting surface 122 of the support frame 126.

As shown in FIGS. 14-16, the support frame 126 of the system 110 isformed in part by a recess, channel or passageway that extends into theouter side surface 124 of the at least one container 112. The lower orbottom surface of the support recess 126 thereby forms the mountingsurface 122, as shown in FIG. 13. The support recess 126 may be formedby a recess in the outer side wall 126 and/or a structural support frameextending within the at least one container 112.

The support recess 126 may be configured such that the thickness orheight of the opening at the outer side surface 124 provide sufficientclearance for the outer membrane 114 to extend through (and potentiallyfor manual assembly of the outer membrane 114, clamping members 128 andattachment hardware). However, in some embodiments the opening of therecess 126 formed between the outer membrane 114 and the outer sidesurface 124 of the container 112 may be covered or blocked afterassembly, such as via a flap or skirt of material (e.g., a material thesame or sustainably similar to the outer membrane 114) or filler member(not shown)

As shown in FIG. 15, the support recess 126 may extend similarly to thetop portion and leg portions of the support frame 26 of FIGS. 9-12described above. Specifically, a top portion of the support recess 126may extend along the outer side surface 124 proximate (and potentiallyparallel) to the top edge of the container 112 and over the passageway116. Further, a pair of leg or upright portions of the support recess126 may be positioned on opposing sides of the at least one passageway119 and extend to the top portion of the support recess 126. The leg orupright portions of the support recess 126 may extend substantiallyvertically, or be angled as they extend from the bottom of the sidesurface 124 to the top portion of the support recess 126 as shown inFIG. 15. As another example, as shown in FIG. 16, the support recess 126may only include the top portion thereof, and side wing walls 113extending from lateral ends of the support recess 126 and/or theexterior side 124 of the container 112. The side wing walls 113 may beconfigures substantially similarly to the side wing walls 13 of thesupport frame 26 of FIGS. 9-12 described above. As another example, theside wing walls 113 of the system 110 may include or form a supportrecess that is continuous with the support recess 126 in the outer sidewall 124.

FIGS. 17-20 illustrate other exemplary configurations, structures,arrangements and methods of coupling an outer membrane to at least onecontainer of a portable and rapidly deployable air supported structuresystem 210 according to the present disclosure. The exemplary system 210of FIGS. 17-20 is substantially similar to the exemplary system 10 ofFIGS. 1-12 and exemplary system 110 of FIGS. 13-16, and therefore likereference numerals preceded by the numeral “2” are used to indicate likeelements, aspects, functions, configurations and the like. Exemplarysystem 210 may include any of the elements, aspects, functions,configurations and the like of exemplary system 10 and/or 110. Thedescription above with respect to the exemplary systems 10 and 110thereby equally applies to the exemplary system 210 of FIGS. 17-20,including description regarding alternative embodiments thereto (i.e.,modifications, variations or the like). The exemplary portable system210 of FIGS. 17-20 differs from the exemplary systems 10 and 110 withrespect to the attachment of the outer membrane 224 to the at least onecontainer 212.

As shown in FIGS. 17-20, the attachment of the outer membrane 224 to theat least one container 212 of the system 210 is substantially similar tothat of the system 10 shown in FIGS. 9-12 and described above. As shownin FIGS. 17 and 18, the system 210 differs from the system 10 in theattachment of the outer membrane 214 to the top side or surface of theat least one container 212. Rather than attachment to the top portion ofthe support frame 226, the system 210 includes a coupling plate 223 thatis attached to, and spans over, the top portion of the support frame 226and the top side of the at least one container 212, as shown in FIGS. 17and 18. The coupling plate 223 may thereby assist in coupling the topand side leg portions of the support frame 226 to the outer side 224 ofthe container.

As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the coupling plate 223 defines the mountingsurface 222 through which the top portion of the outer membrane 214attaches to the container 212. In some embodiments, the mounting surface222 is defined by the portion of the coupling plate 223 extending overthe top side of the container 212 and includes the mounting studs 225,and is thereby coupled with the outer membrane 214 via the clampingmember 228, as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18. The top portion of the end ofthe outer member 214 may thereby attach over the top side of thecontainer 212 (between the mounting surface 222 of the coupling plate223 and the clamping member 228), and to the mounting surface 222 of theleg portions of the support frame 226, as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18. Theleg portions of the support frame 226 may be coupled to the outer sidewall 224 of the at least one container 214 as shown in FIG. 19, and/orthe leg portions of the support frame 226 may be portions of supportwings 213 and extend to an outer side of the container 212 as shown inFIG. 20. As noted above, the system 210 may include a frameworkpositioned interior of the enclosure to provide structural support tothe support frame 226, support wings 213 and/or the coupling plate 223.

FIGS. 21-23 illustrate other exemplary configurations, structures,arrangements and methods of coupling an outer membrane to at least onecontainer of a portable and rapidly deployable air supported structuresystem 310 according to the present disclosure. The exemplary system 310of FIGS. 21-23 is substantially similar to the exemplary system 10 ofFIGS. 1-12, the exemplary system 110 of FIGS. 13-16 and the exemplarysystem 210 of FIGS. 17-20, and therefore like reference numeralspreceded by the numeral “3” are used to indicate like elements, aspects,functions, configurations and the like. Exemplary system 310 may includeany of the elements, aspects, functions, configurations and the like ofexemplary system 10, 110 and/or 210. The description above with respectto the exemplary systems 10, 110 and 210 thereby equally applies to theexemplary system 310 of FIGS. 21-23, including description regardingalternative embodiments thereto (i.e., modifications, variations or thelike). The exemplary portable system 310 of FIGS. 21-23 differs from theexemplary systems 10, 110 and 210 with respect to the attachment of theouter membrane 314 to the at least one container 312.

As shown in FIGS. 21-23, the attachment of the outer membrane 324 to theat least one container 312 of the system 310 is substantially similar tothat of the system 210 shown in FIGS. 17-20 and described above. Asshown in FIGS. 21-23, the system 310 differs from the system 210 in theattachment of the outer membrane 314 to the top side or surface of theat least one container 312. As opposed to attaching the top portion ofthe support frame 326 to the outer side wall 324, and attaching theouter membrane 314 to the portion of the coupling plate 323 above thetop side of the container 312 (see FIGS. 17-20), the top portion of thesupport frame 326 is positioned on the coupling plate 323 above the topside of the container 312 and the outer membrane 314 is coupled to themounting surface 322 of the top portion of the support frame 326. Themedial portion of the coupling plate 323 that extends past the outerside wall 324 of the at least one container 312 (and potentially overthe passageway 319) is thereby void of the support frame 326 and theouter membrane.

In some embodiments, the lateral end portions of the coupling plate 323may be coupled to the leg portions of the support frame 326, as shown inFIGS. 21-23. The leg portions of the support frame 326 may be coupled tothe outer side wall 324 of the at least one container 314 as shown inFIG. 23, and/or the leg portions of the support frame 326 may beportions of support wings that extend to the outer side wall 324 of thecontainer 312 (see, for example, FIG. 20). The outer lateral ends of thetop portion of the support frame 326 may be angled downwardly to the ofthe coupling plate 323 and further define the mounting surface 322, suchas to provide a relatively smooth transition the of the outer membrane314 to the leg portions. Similarly, the upper ends of the leg portionsof the support frame 326 may extend parallel to the coupling plate 323and be coupled to, or abut, the outer lateral ends of the coupling plate323. For example, as shown in FIG. 23, the upper ends of the legportions of the support frame 326 may be coupled to the underside of theouter lateral ends of the coupling plate 323 (e.g., on a side or surfacethat opposes the mounting surface 322 thereof). The mounting surface 322of the leg portions and top portion of the support frame 326 (andpotentially the coupling plate 323) may thereby form a continuoussurface for the attachment of the outer membrane 314 thereto via themounting studs 325 and clamping members 328.

FIGS. 24-26 illustrate other exemplary configurations, structures,arrangements and methods of coupling an outer membrane to at least onecontainer of a portable and rapidly deployable air supported structuresystem 410 according to the present disclosure. The exemplary system 410of FIGS. 24-26 is substantially similar to the exemplary system 10 ofFIGS. 1-12, the exemplary system 110 of FIGS. 13-16, the exemplarysystem 210 of FIGS. 17-20 and the exemplary system 310 of FIGS. 21-23,and therefore like reference numerals preceded by the numeral “4” areused to indicate like elements, aspects, functions, configurations andthe like. Exemplary system 410 may include any of the elements, aspects,functions, configurations and the like of exemplary system 10, 110, 210and/or 310. The description above with respect to the exemplary systems10, 110, 210 and 310 thereby equally applies to the exemplary system 410of FIGS. 24-26, including description regarding alternative embodimentsthereto (i.e., modifications, variations or the like). The exemplaryportable system 410 of FIGS. 24-26 differs from the exemplary systems10, 110, 210 and 310 with respect to the attachment of the outermembrane 424 to the at least one container 412.

As shown in FIGS. 24-26, the top portion of the support frame 426 ispositioned on, and coupled to, the top side or surface of the at leastone container 412. As also shown in FIGS. 24-26, the leg portions of thesupport frame 426 are aligned with the top portion of the support frame426 on wing wall portion 413 such that the frame 426 extendssubstantially linearly or straight across or over the at least onecontainer 412. The support frame 426 (i.e., the top and leg portions ofthe support frame 426) may thereby positioned anywhere along the atleast one container 412. For example, in some embodiments the supportframe 426 may be substantially aligned with an outer side wall of the atleast one container 412. In other embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 24 and25, the support frame 426 may extend over or across a medial portion ofthe at least one container 412 (i.e., spaced from an outer side wall)(or aligned with a distal side wall) such that at least a portion of theat least one container 412 extends into the enclosure.

FIGS. 27-29 illustrate other exemplary configurations, structures,arrangements and methods of coupling an outer membrane to at least onecontainer of a portable and rapidly deployable air supported structuresystem 510 according to the present disclosure. The exemplary system 510of FIGS. 27-29 is substantially similar to the exemplary system 10 ofFIGS. 1-12, the exemplary system 110 of FIGS. 13-16, the exemplarysystem 210 of FIGS. 17-20, the exemplary system 310 of FIGS. 21-23 andthe exemplary system 410 of FIGS. 24-26, and therefore like referencenumerals preceded by the numeral “5” are used to indicate like elements,aspects, functions, configurations and the like. Exemplary system 510may include any of the elements, aspects, functions, configurations andthe like of exemplary system 10, 110, 210, 310 and/or 410. Thedescription above with respect to the exemplary systems 10, 110, 210,310 and 410 thereby equally applies to the exemplary system 510 of FIGS.27-29, including description regarding alternative embodiments thereto(i.e., modifications, variations or the like). The exemplary portablesystem 510 of FIGS. 27-29 differs from the exemplary systems 10, 110,210, 310 and 410 with respect to the attachment of the outer membrane524 to the at least one container 512.

As shown in FIGS. 27-29, the system 510 includes a pair of sealingmounting plates 533 coupled (e.g., via welding, bolting or any otherattachment mechanism) to portions of the outer face 524 of the container512. The mounting plates 533 are configured to extend over the unevenouter face 524 of the container 512 and provide a planar/flat mountingsurface. The mounting plates 533 thereby seal-off the depressions 521 inthe uneven outer face 524 of the container 512, and provide a surface towhich the outer membrane 514 can be coupled to such that the airpressure within the enclosure is prevented from escaping between theouter membrane 514 and the outer face 524 of the container 512, as shownin FIGS. 27-29. As shown in FIGS. 27-29, in some embodiments a pair ofmounting plates 533 may be coupled over lateral side portions of theouter face 524 of the container 512 between the top and bottom sides ofthe container 512.

As also shown in FIGS. 27-29, a clamping member 528 can be coupled tothe outer surface of the mounting plates 533 via mounting studs 525 asdescribed above to seal the outer membrane 514 thereto. The clampingmembers 528 may thereby extend from the bottom edge of the mountingplates 533 and/or the outer face 524 of the container 512 to the topedge of the mounting plates 533 and/or the outer face 524 of thecontainer 512, such as at an angle laterally inwardly, as shown in FIGS.27-29. For example, as described above, the outer membrane 514 mayextend between the clamping members 528 and the mounting plates 533 withthe expanded edge (e.g., rope bead edge) on the outer lateral sides ofthe clamping members 528 (or the inner lateral sides thereof). Theclamping members 528 can be compressed against the mounting plates 533via the mounting studs 525 (as described above) to sealingly fix theouter membrane 514 therebetween (and to the container 512), as shown inFIGS. 27-29.

The outer membrane 514 is also sealingly coupled to the top side of thecontainer 512. For example, in some embodiments a medial portion of theend portion of the outer membrane 514 may be coupled to a top frameportion 526 of the container 512, as shown in FIGS. 27-29. The top frame536 of the container may be structurally supportive and form/include aplanar outer surface to which the outer membrane 514 may be sealinglycoupled via a clamping member 528 and mounting studs 525 (as describedabove) to seal the outer membrane 514 thereto. For example, as describedabove, the outer membrane 514 may extend between the clamping member 528and the top frame portion 526 of the container 512 with the expandededge (e.g., rope bead edge) on the outer inner side of the clampingmember 528 (or the outer side thereof), as shown in FIGS. 27-29. Theclamping member 528 can be compressed against the outer surface of thetop frame portion 526 via the mounting studs 525 (as described above) tosealingly fix the outer membrane 514 therebetween (and to the container512), as shown in FIGS. 27-29.

It is to be understood that the above description is intended to beillustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-describedexamples (and/or aspects thereof) may be used in combination with eachother. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particularsituation or material to the teachings of the various examples withoutdeparting from their scope. While dimensions and types of materials maybe described herein, they are intended to define parameters of some ofthe various examples, and they are by no means limiting to all examplesand are merely exemplary. Many other examples will be apparent to thoseof skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope ofthe various examples should, therefore, be determined with reference tothe appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to whichsuch claims are entitled.

In the appended claims, the terms “including” and “in which” are used asthe plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and“wherein.” Moreover, in the following claims, the terms “first,”“second,” and “third,” etc. are used merely as referee labels, and arenot intended to impose numerical, structural or other requirements ontheir objects. Forms of term “based on” herein encompass relationshipswhere an element is partially based on as well as relationships where anelement is entirely based on. Forms of the term “defined” encompassrelationships where an element is partially defined as well asrelationships where an element is entirely defined. Further, thelimitations of the following claims are not written inmeans-plus-function format and are not intended to be interpreted basedon 35 U.S.C. § 112, sixth paragraph, unless and until such claimlimitations expressly use the phrase “means for” followed by a statementof function cavity of further structure. It is to be understood that notnecessarily all such objects or advantages described above may beachieved in accordance with any particular example. Thus, for example,those skilled in the art will recognize that the devices, systems andmethods described herein may be embodied or carried out in a manner thatachieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taughtherein without necessarily achieving other objects or advantages as maybe taught or suggested herein.

While the disclosure has been described in detail in connection withonly a limited number of examples, it should be readily understood thatthe disclosure is not limited to such disclosed examples. Rather, thisdisclosure can be modified to incorporate any number of variations,alterations, substitutions or equivalent arrangements not heretoforedescribed, but which are commensurate with the spirit and scope of thedisclosure. Additionally, while various examples have been described, itis to be understood that aspects of the disclosure may include only oneexample or some of the described examples. Also, while some disclosureare described as having a certain number of elements, it will beunderstood that the examples can be practiced with less than or greaterthan the certain number of elements.

It should be appreciated that all combinations of the foregoing conceptsand additional concepts discussed in greater detail below (provided suchconcepts are not mutually inconsistent) are contemplated as being partof the inventive subject matter disclosed herein. In particular, allcombinations of claimed subject matter appearing at the end of thisdisclosure are contemplated as being part of the inventive subjectmatter disclosed herein.

We claim:
 1. An air supported structure system, comprising: at least onetransportable container; a flexible outer membrane configured to coupleto a base in a substantially air-tight manner; and at least one airhandling mechanism contained within the at least one containerconfigured to force air between the outer membrane and the base when theouter membrane is coupled to the base to form and maintain an enclosuretherebetween via internal air pressure, wherein the system isconfigurable between a packaged state with the flexible outer membraneat least partially contained within the at least one container, and adeployed state with the flexible outer membrane being coupled to thebase in the substantially air-tight manner and the at least one airhandling mechanism forming and maintaining the enclosure via theinternal air pressure, wherein, in the packaged state, the at least onetransportable container forms a portion of the base, and wherein, in atleast the deployed state, an end portion of the outer membrane iscoupled to an outer side face and a top side surface of the at least onetransportable container in a substantially air-tight manner.
 2. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein lateral side portions of the end portion ofthe outer membrane are coupled to mounting plates that extend overlateral portions of the outer side face of the at least onetransportable container via lateral clamping members, and a medialportion of the end portion of the outer membrane extending between thelateral portions of the outer membrane is coupled to the top sidesurface of a top frame portion of the at least one container via atleast one medial clamping member.
 3. The system of claim 2, wherein thelateral portions of the outer side face of the at least onetransportable container comprises an uneven surface, wherein themounting plates extend over the lateral portions of the outer side faceand form planar mounting surfaces, and wherein the top side surface ofthe top frame portion of the at least one container comprises a planarmounting surface.
 4. The system of claim 3, wherein the lateral sideportions of the end portion of the outer membrane are compressed betweenthe planar mounting surfaces of the mounting plates and the lateralclamping members, and wherein the medial portion of the end portion ofthe outer membrane is clamped between the planar mounting surface of thetop frame portion and the medial clamping member.
 5. The system of claim4, wherein a plurality of lateral threaded mounting studs extend fromthe planar mounting surfaces of the mounting plates and through thelateral clamping members, and a plurality of medial threaded mountingstuds extend from the planar mounting surface of the top frame portionand through the medial clamping member, and wherein a plurality of nutsare threadably coupled to the plurality of lateral threaded mountingstuds to exert a clamping force to the lateral clamping members, and aplurality of nuts are threadably coupled to the plurality of medialthreaded mounting studs to exert a clamping force to the medial clampingmember.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one transportablecontainer forms a portion of the enclosure in the deployed state.
 7. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the base further comprises at least one ofthe ground of a particular location and a foundation structure.
 8. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the entirety of the flexible outer membraneis contained within the at least one container in the packaged state. 9.The system of claim 1, wherein, in the deployed state, the at least onetransportable container includes a passageway in communication with theenclosure in the deployed state.
 10. The system of claim 9, wherein thepassageway is in direct communication with the enclosure in the deployedstate.
 11. The system of claim 9, wherein the passageway is incommunication with an intermediate structure that is in communicationwith the enclosure in the deployed state.
 12. The system of claim 1,comprising a plurality of transportable containers.
 13. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the at least one air handling mechanism is operable viaelectrical power, and further comprising an electrical power generatingmechanism configured to provide electrical power to the at least one airhandling mechanism.
 14. The system of claim 13, wherein the electricalpower generating mechanism is contained within at least one of thetransportable containers at least in the packaged state.
 15. The systemof claim 1, wherein the at least one air handling mechanism is furtherconfigured to at least one of selectively cool the forced air,selectively heat the forced air, and selectively add substances toand/or remove substances from the forced air.
 16. A method of forming anair supported structure that forms an enclosure via internal pressuredair, comprising: transporting at least one container of an air supportedstructure system in a packaged state to a location, the at least onecontainer including at least one air handling mechanism positionedwithin the at least one container and a flexible outer membranepositioned within the at least one container configured to couple to abase; at least partially removing the outer membrane from within the atleast one container; coupling the outer membrane to a base in asubstantially air-tight manner, the at least one container forming aportion of the base; and forcing air between the outer membrane and thebase via the at least one air handling mechanism to form and maintainthe enclosure therebetween via internal air pressure, wherein couplingthe outer membrane to the base comprises coupling an end portion of theouter membrane to lateral portions of an outer side face and a medialportion of a top side surface of the at least one container in asubstantially air-tight manner.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein thebase further comprises at least one of the ground of a location and afoundation extending from the ground, and wherein coupling the outermembrane to the base comprises coupling at least one second portion ofthe outer membrane to at least one of the ground and the foundation in asubstantially air-tight manner.
 18. The method of claim 16, wherein atleast one of the containers includes a passageway in communication withthe enclosure.
 19. The method of claim 16, wherein the at least one airhandling mechanism is operable via electrical power, and wherein thesystem further comprises an electrical power generating mechanismpositioned within the at least one container.
 20. The method of claim16, wherein the at least one air handling mechanism is furtherconfigured to at least one of selectively cool the forced air,selectively warm the forced air, and selectively remove pollutants fromthe forced air.